Four EPISD seniors named QuestBridge Scholars
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Dec. 3, 2021) — Four EPISD seniors earned full four-year scholarships worth more than $200,000 to prestigious universities Wednesday on QuestBridge National Match Day.
The scholars are among 1,674 students nationwide earning matches to one of QuestBridge’s 45 college partners. The generous financial aid package includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and travel expenses. QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented lower-income students attending the nation’s best colleges and to support them to achieve success in their careers and communities.
EPISD’s 2022 QuestBridge Scholars are:
- Bella Roman, Andress High School. Matched with Stanford University.
The Andress High basketball player plans to major in pre-law/political science and becoming an attorney to advocate for victims of abuse and exploitation.
“Earning this amazing scholarship means that I’ve been given a chance to succeed regardless of my financial situation or academic exposure,” Bella said. “This opportunity allows me to maximize my potential and begin a new journey on an even playing field – one where I’m not hindered or tethered by financial burden on my family. The fact that I was chosen to attend my dream school based solely on the merit of my academic achievements is such a blessing. It renews the confidence my parents have instilled in me and the support I have around me.”
- Isabel Rodriguez, Burges High School. Matched with University of Notre Dame.
The Burges High senior loves research and plans to major in neuroscience and eventually go to medical school.
“Winning this scholarship still feels surreal, but I can tell you that it’s going to completely change the trajectory of my life. This scholarship means a lot to me because I’ve worked so hard the past few years and overcame so many barriers, and the outcome was just amazing. I’m now going to have access to so many great resources at a spectacular school. More than that, my parents won’t have to pay a cent, which, to me, was the scariest part of college.
- Caleb Choi, Franklin High School. Matched with Washington University in St. Louis.
The Franklin High senior and future entrepreneur plans to major in marketing or some element in the business world.
“Earning this prestigious scholarship means the world to me. After opening the letter, my life changed right before my eyes,” Caleb said. “All the college work that I put in since the beginning of this year is starting to pay off. Knowing that I can go to college with no worries about financial issues is truly something I will be forever grateful for.”
- Alfonso Ambriz Rivas, Chapin High School. Matched with Colby College in Maine.
The Chapin High senior and engineering magnet student plans to double major in engineering and education and possibly return to El Paso to teach.
“It means to me a gift to earn this scholarship. I wouldn't have ever looked upon myself to get this far academically,” Alfonso said. “I'm internally glad to such a scholarship that I'm speechless because I could have never guessed. Though personally I see it as a way to redeem myself to my instructors, my school, and most importantly my family. I pride myself in my work hardiness and to gain this opportunity is truly amazing.”
Photos by Leonel Monroy